Heather Deranja, RDN, LD, MA
NUTRITION VIXEN, COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL SPECIALIST & PERSONAL TRAINER
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Update: A lot has changed for Heather in the last four years as a business owner. She has found her niche and is adding more ways to support her clients through her practice, podcast, speaking engagements & more, while delegating tasks as her practice has grown.
Like a few other dietitians that we've heard from, Heather got into the field based on a personal health experience. She is passionate about helping others to overcome barriers and create sustainable habits. We're also pleased to celebrate with her, as she recently published a cookbook!
Why did you become a RD?
When I was 18 years old, I was diagnosed with a kidney disease. At the time of diagnosis, I was not a full-time student and had lost my health insurance. I became pregnant a year later and became very ill; this was very frightening and I came to the conclusion that I needed to figure out what this disease was and how I could prevent it from getting worse. This is when my passion for research began which lead me along the path to become an RD. I started implementing diet and lifestyle changes that significantly improved my health, and more importantly my quality of life, and I was excited to share my passion for nutrition with others.
What area of dietetics do you work in? (*updated January 22, 2020)
I own and operate my own practice, Nutrition Vixen. Since beginning Nutrition Vixen in 2015, I have narrowed my coaching practice to helping women with autoimmune diseases. I have also branched out into working with food companies and brands to help formulate gluten/dairy free products and bring them to market. In 2020, my focus will be on expanding into speaking and hosting events and retreats, and writing a book! I also just launched my podcast, Think Yourself Healthy, as another platform to have honest and real conversations about health and wellness.
How would you explain what you do? (*updated January 22, 2020)
I help women struggling with autoimmune diseases who feel defeated go from surviving to thriving. I coach clients virtually in a 1-1 setting and also work to educate my audience through the use of social media and my podcast. My practice as a dietitian is "unconventional" in the sense that I do not follow with the standard USDA guidelines on nutrition. I believe in a more holistic approach and that stress management and our thoughts are the underlying cause of most health issues. I work with my clients to help them rewrite their thoughts and behaviors so they can feel empowered to live fit, young, wild and free!
What are your ‘typical’ daily/weekly tasks? (*updated January 22, 2020)
During the week, I have set days for taking 1-1 client calls, doing discovery calls with potential clients and conducting interviews for my podcast. Other days I focus more on creativity and meeting with my team to brainstorm new ideas for content and programs. I have reached a point in my practice where I am able to delegate the administrative and social media tasks to my team, while I focus on coaching, speaking, networking and the "bigger picture" ideas for my practice. I always schedule white space in my calendar and I never schedule work on the weekends unless it's a special event.
What has been your career path? (*updated January 22, 2020)
I started as a registered dietitian working at a corporate health club as a Nutrition Program Coordinator. I have also worked in clinical settings such as long-term care over the years, but now I own and operate my own practice. Since becoming a RDN, I've gotten a master's degree in Multidisciplinary Health Communications specializing in Behavioral Theory, and most recently completed my NASM personal training certification to bring another aspect of knowledge to my practice.
What advanced education or special training do you have? (*updated January 22, 2020)
I have a Master of Arts in multidisciplinary health communications specializing in behavioral theory, as well as a NASM Personal Training Certification.
In an ideal world, what does the industry look like 5 years from now? (*updated January 22, 2020)
Consumers are becoming more aware of how nutrition and exercise aren't the "end all be all" of health and wellness, but that there are other lifestyle factors at play that make a huge impact on overall health. I believe that more opportunities will open for dietitians in preventive and wellness areas that are more holistic and focus on stress management, mindfulness and the power of thoughts.
What misinformation about RDs would you like to clear up?
RDs do more than just meal plans and we aren’t food Nazis who take away all of your favorite foods, and I’m not judging you for what you put on your plate.
What would you like people to know about RDs?
RDs have a high level of education, with most RDs holding advanced degrees and certifications in specialty areas. RDs are the qualified nutrition professionals who deliver evidence based nutrition recommendations to support health and wellness.
What are challenges you encounter as a RD?
Misinformation is a huge challenge. There is an abundance of so called “nutrition experts” giving out advice who don’t have the appropriate training to make nutrition recommendations. I get aggravated that people will trust and do anything someone says if they have lost more than 10 lbs. in their lifetime. The metabolism is a fragile thing and it can be quickly damaged if appropriate measures aren’t taken into consideration when changing nutrition habits.
What do people think that you do for a living?
People think that I only write meals plans and tell them what foods they can and cannot eat. Most people are very surprised when I immediately start asking them challenging questions to get at the root of the cause when it comes to making nutrition and lifestyle changes. I often hear from my clients “Wow that was like an intense therapy session” however they are always pleased to establish what the barriers are that are standing in the way of them making changes to support their health.
What are you passionate about in dietetics?
I focus my practice on creating realistic action plans to overcome barriers that keep individuals from obtaining sustainable nutrition habits. I address stress, digestive health, detoxification, and hormone balance to attain an optimal functioning metabolism that will support a healthy body composition.
What makes RDs unique/different from other nutrition/wellness professionals?
We have a high level of education and training to support recommendations on changing nutrition behaviors through evidence based practices.
What is your favorite meal?
Spaghetti squash lasagna (from my cookbook)
What tip(s) would you give to our readers?
Nutrition is a personalized experience with a lot of factors that need to be taken into consideration and it cannot be approached with a one-size fits all attitude.
More about Heather:
Website: www.nutritionvixen.com
Twitter: @nutritionvixen
Facebook: Heather NutritionVixen
Instagram: @nutritionvixen
Pinterest: Nutrition Vixen
LinkedIn: Heather Deranja
Podcast: Think Yourself Healthy
Cookbook: Getting Intimate In The Kitchen
Thanks Heather!